From Salon · Shefali Luthra · · 2m
GOP candidates walk back abortion stances
GOP candidates reverse abortion positions after years of support for bans.
In brief
GOP candidates reverse abortion positions after years of support for bans. Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Kansas GOP gubernatorial candidates have reversed their past support for abortion bans, citing voter concerns over reproductive rights. Originally reported by Salon.
Wisconsin candidate reverses stance
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, the Republican candidate for governor in Wisconsin, now calls his state’s 20-week abortion limit 'settled law' after previously co-sponsoring a six-week abortion ban bill.
“settled law”
Pennsylvania candidate shifts position
Stacy Garrity, the GOP’s candidate in Pennsylvania, has said she would 'respect' the state’s current 24-week abortion law after previously calling on abortion opponents to engage in state laws post-roe v. wade.
“respect”
Kansas candidate demurs on abortion ban
Ty Masterson, the Republican candidate in Kansas, has demurred when asked if he would support a statewide referendum to eliminate the state’s abortion protections, after previously speaking at protests against reproductive rights.
“demurred”
Polls show abortion remains contentious
About 60 percent of Americans believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases, including two-thirds of independents, according to a poll from The 19th and YouGov.
“60 percent”
Campaigns avoid abortion focus
Republicans seeking general election typically would not campaign overtly on abortion bans, even before Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, according to pollsters.
“abortion bans”
Democrats push for abortion rights
Wisconsin’s Democratic nominee for governor, David Crowley, has said he would work with the state legislature to enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution if elected.
“enshrine”
Michigan candidate shifts stance
U.S. Rep. John James, the Republican candidate in Michigan, has said abortion is 'decided' after previously opposing abortion in all cases and comparing it to genocide.
“decided”
New Mexico candidate focuses on abortion access
Gregg Hull, the Republican candidate in New Mexico, has said he is 'fully committed' to working with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to reduce the number of Texans coming to the state for abortions.
“fully committed”
Abortion opponents revive issue
SBA Pro-Life America is pushing ads that characterize Democratic candidates for governor as extreme on the issue in states like Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan.
“extreme”
The takeaway
Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Kansas GOP gubernatorial candidates have reversed their past support for abortion bans, citing voter concerns over reproductive rights.
